Parshat Netzavim

by Rabbi Pinchas Kasnett

This section of the Torah begins with the renewal of the covenant between G-d and the Jewish People which first took place at Mount Sinai 40 years earlier. Here Moshe emphasizes that the entire nation is gathered together for that renewal: “The heads of your tribes, your elders and your officers…all the men of Israel, your small children, your women and your proselytes…from the hewer of your wood to the drawer of your water.” By contrast, in the description of the first covenant, the Torah states that “the people” accepted the covenant, but individual groups are not specified.

The difference can be explained as follows: In “Nitzavim” Moshe is reminding them that they have seen a wide variety of idolatries in Egypt, Midian, Moav and the kingdoms of Sichon and Og. They have encountered individuals of great wisdom and understanding. As a result he cautions them, “There may be among you individuals who, deep inside, have been influenced by these experiences, contacts and ideas, and may have doubts about your commitment to the Torah.” Moshe did not want these issues to fester in private. Rather, he wanted them to be aired in public so that he could remove these doubts from their minds.

The first words of this Torah portion are, “You are standing today, all of you, before G-d.” The Hebrew for standing — nitzavim — connotes a gathering for debate, discussion and argument. The same word is used several other times in the Torah with the same connotation. Moshe’s intent was clear. Everyone, regardless of age, status or level of learning, was encouraged to voice his or her opinions and doubts publicly, before G-d and Moshe. Moshe was eager to listen, respond, and convince them of the truth. Moshe knew that there were doubts and issues. He did not want the people to feel that they were coerced into accepting the covenant. He wanted them to choose it freely after having had their doubts addressed properly.

If Moshe was concerned about the doubts of a nation that had just experienced forty years of direct Providential guidance, and he encouraged debate and discussion, how much more relevant is his insight in today’s world where the truth and relevance of the Torah is under unremitting assault.

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